Seagate FreeAgent Desktop 500 GB USB External Hard Drive Review

I have owned the Seagate Freeagent 500 GB external hard drive for 2 years.  It has always worked very well.  I've had no problems with backing up my data to it, and file transfers go quickly.  After having my former external drive crash after less than a year's use, I have been much happier with the Seagate.  It's capacity allows me to store a great deal of data on it, reserving my laptop's memory for the stuff I more frequently use.  The only reason I gave the Seagate Freeagent drive 3 stars is because of its design.  The base of it provides stability, but is about 3 times the width of the rest of the unit, so it takes up more desk space.  Having the perpendicular base also makes it an awkward unit to pack and transport.  The external powercord adds another clunky bit of weight to the whole unit.  In summary, as far as performance goes, it's great.  If you desire compactness and/or portability, I would look elsewhere.